Leeds Tykes………..35 Preston…………………29
LEEDS Tykes were given a fright for the second successive week in a high-scoring affair at West Park Leeds.
Preston deservedly opened the scoring with prolific hooker Harry Holden crossing from a dominant maul. Gregory Smith enjoyed a near-faultless day with the boot, adding the extras.
The hosts’ rejigged starting XV took a while to click before eventually getting their act as Ollie Williams opened their account after 14 minutes: the dependable Watts levelling.
Undeterred, Tom Guest crossed as the front row continued to be Grasshoppers’ best form of attack. Smith obliged with the extras.
In a ferocious battle, Leeds found their expansive style scoring quickfire tries through Matt Burke and Eliah Chitiyo to wrestle back the lead after Watts converted both.
Just before half-time, Holden crossed for his brace to keep the neutrals interested. Gregory Smith’s uncharacteristic, missed conversion meant Leeds remained ahead.
Jacob Browne ran a great line to restore the visitors’ advantage; with Smith converting the bonus-point try.
Chitiyo added his second, before Harry Whitfield’s barnstorming run got the whole crowd on its feet.
Gregory Smith’s penalty, five minutes from time, meant ‘Hoppers went over the Pennines with two points.
REFEREE: Daniel Woods ATTENDANCE: 485
Star player Harry Whitfield -Leeds Tykes
TEAMS
LEEDS TYKES: Williams, Hudson, Evans, Dixon, Chityo, Watts, Keith, Pleasants, Brown, Whitfield, Brady, Bell, Smith, Walsh, Burke Replacements: Nawrocki, Fishwick, Walker, Laughton, Sukani PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS: Haigh, O Williams, Russell, Keohane, Browne, Smith, O’Donnell, Ashdown, Holden, Guest, Norrington, Naylor, Willetts, Longson, Richardson Replacements: Williams W, Wilkinson, Procter, Harrison, May
